A look at the sky as I walked home the other evening. That’s the Capital Dome off to the left. I love moody skies – that’s what I call them. Clouds swirling, light peeking through, ever-changing; a reminder of the vastness beyond our little world. It helps to get me ‘right-sized.’ It’s so easy to get so wrapped up in the minutia of my life, forgetting that there is a world out there beyond my little world.
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on…”
Prospero, The Tempest
I have some friends that I’ve known since my very young years. I’ve known Debbie since we were in kindergarden. We grew up about a block and a half from each other and spent countless hours together- playing, riding bikes, studying. Her mom was our Girl Scout Troupe Leader. I knew every inch of her house and she knew every inch of mine. When we were in high school, Debbie’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Eventually, decades later, it would come back and take her life.
Debbie has 2 sisters. Her older sister, Karen, fought cancer for many years and died last year. Debbie has been waging her own battle with this dreadful disease for over 7 years. I just received an update from her Care Pages site. After being in remission for a few years, it has come back. It’s the same cancer (non-Hodgkins Lymphoma) that took my brother’s life. All this as she is preparing to welcome her second grandchild. And as is always the case with Debbie, she is more concerned for her pregnant daughter than she is for herself.
There is a tie, a link, that binds us to everyone we have ever met. Debbie and I grew up together and were shaped by many of the same influences. I feel this cord that connects us stretching across the miles to Michigan, where she lives. She is so brave, so full of grace, despite what she is facing. I cannot get her out of my mind and that’s a good thing.
If you have a moment, please send some healing thoughts Debbie’s way. Surely our thoughts, our energy, focused and directed to one in need have a power we cannot even begin to comprehend.
Have a wonderful Friday.
